Ondo confirms 12 Mpox cases

The Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA) announced on Monday that it has identified at least 12 confirmed cases of Mpox across eight local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

Dr. Victor Adefesoye, Director of Disease Control at OSPHDA, revealed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure, the state capital, which also marked the launch of the Mpox vaccination campaign.

Describing Mpox as a contagious disease, Dr. Adefesoye stressed the urgency of containing its spread through vaccination. He explained that although Mpox was traditionally known to be transmitted primarily by monkeys, recent findings show it can be spread by various animals.

The vaccination exercise, he said, is scheduled to commence on August 11 and will run until August 21, targeting individuals aged 18 years and above.

“The aim of this meeting is to mobilize community leaders, religious groups, and organizations to encourage people in their communities to take the vaccine,” Dr. Adefesoye said.

He listed the affected LGAs as Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, and Odigbo.

“This vaccination process differs from previous campaigns because we have identified and contacted those affected. We will vaccinate confirmed cases, their close relatives, contacts, and health workers who have treated them,” he added.

Acknowledging potential vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Adefesoye urged stakeholders to persuade residents to accept immunization. The vaccination regimen will consist of two injectable doses given at specified intervals.

Mrs. Florence Fadiji, Ondo State Immunisation Officer, highlighted that Mpox could be transmitted through contact with infected animals, humans, and contaminated objects. She described symptoms to include rashes, body sores, fever, headaches, and general weakness.

Mrs. Fadiji reassured the public about the vaccine’s safety, noting that any side effects would be mild and far outweighed by the benefits of protection against the disease.

In his remarks, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of OSPHDA, appealed to stakeholders to actively encourage vaccine uptake among the targeted populations.

The agency also urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene as part of efforts to curb the spread of Mpox and promote overall community health.